Rating: (0 votes - average)

OUTSIDE LINEBACKER JUNIOR GALETTE: While he’s played three seasons with the Saints after making the roster as an undrafted free agent in 2010, Galette will get a chance to spread his wings at a new position.

An undersized defensive end at 258 pounds, Galette, who had five sacks a year ago despite missing a month with a sprained ankle, was moved to the pass-rushing outside linebacker spot in Rob Ryan’s new 3-4 scheme.

That should help keep Galette from going snap after snap against huge tackles, allowing him the freedom to use his speed and quickness not only to rush the passer but to cover tight ends and running backs.

DEFENSIVE END AKIEM HICKS: Hicks, the Saints’ third-round draft pick in 2012, also will settle in at a new position after playing defensive tackle in the team’s old four-man front last season.

A 6-foot-5, 324-pounder, Hicks, like Galette, is better suited to play end in the 3-4 because of his speed and quickness. He has an 83-inch wingspan that could make it difficult for quarterbacks to throw the ball over him.

With his size, Hicks could be a key against the run after the Saints were gashed for 147.6 yards per game last season and were last in that category en route to allowing an NFL single-season record of 7,042 total yards.

RUNNING BACK MARK INGRAM: Saints’ fans have been waiting two seasons for Ingram to break out and be the productive back coach Sean Payton highly coveted in the 2011 draft.

Ingram had a rough rookie season with toe and heel injuries and last year got off to a slow start after offseason toe and knee surgeries.

But after rushing for 134 yards and one touchdown with a 2.9 average in the first seven games, Ingram netted 468 yards and produced a 4.3 average with four touchdowns in the final nine games.

While he won’t get a ton of carries sharing time with Pierre Thomas and Darren Sproles, Ingram has to run the way he did in the latter part of last year to open some eyes.

WIDE RECEIVER NICK TOON: At 6-4 and 218 pounds, Toon will try to make a big first impression on Payton with his length and size — much like Marques Colston did back in 2006.

Toon will be vying for the No. 3 spot behind Colston and Lance Moore after the Saints allowed Robert Meachem and Devery Henderson to leave the team as unrestricted free agents the past two years.

Toon will try to hold off deep threat Joseph Morgan and fifth-round draft pick Kenny Stills, who will also be vying to be in the mix for Brees’ passes.

OUTSIDE LINEBACKER MARTEZ WILSON: Like Galette, the 252-pound Wilson was out of position at defensive end last season after playing linebacker during his rookie season in 2011.

The speedy Wilson, a third-round draft pick, ranked fourth on the team last season with three sacks. He could have an opportunity for more if he wins the starting job with Victor Butler expected miss the season with a knee injury.

Five Saints will draw attention when camp opens | Saints | The Advocate — Baton Rouge, LA

SmashMouth

saintsfan1976

Ability is not in question. The mental aspect of this defense will be the biggest challenge.

Facing Atlanta game one is an enormous test. Mike Smith will have the entire first quarter scripted and ready for Ryan.

I expect a crazy scoring frenzy for 30 minutes and a second half of determined defense with a couple long scoring plays mixed in.

ProMallNinja

I'm so damn stir crazy, it isn't even funny. Lets GO! I want to see these guys in action. I'm tired of speculating. I sure hope Ingram gets 500 carries this preseason so we can see if he's any good. *wink wink*

|Mitch|

I get this feeling that Galette and Wilson are going to shine as LBs... Their speed alone makes them great pass rush threats, hopefully they can cover and stop the run with ease

foreverfan

Danno

The good news is that Jack LB's rarely ever cover, and hopefully Martez moves inside.

QBREES9

Just wait and see.

AllSaints

If Will Smith is starting at the beginning of the season.... Im gunna be pissed.... Wilson n Gallette R both faster n get pressure better ! ! !

rezburna

I agree. I believe we have the big guys we need to open up space for them to get a good pass rush. Hicks, Bunkley/Jenkins, and Jordan is a bright group of young guys.